CLARK, Pampanga — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Ecology Center received the Best Ecological Solid Waste Management Practices award during the Environmental Summit 2026 on August 19 at the Royce Hotel and Casino in Clark.

The award was conferred by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 3 in recognition of the SBMA’s efforts to strengthen ecological solid waste management and promote sustainable practices at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The summit recognized local government units and regional stakeholders that demonstrated outstanding commitment to ecological solid waste management and environmental stewardship.

Through the Ecology Center, the SBMA has implemented various solid waste management programs in coordination with Freeport stakeholders, business locators, partner organizations and environmental advocates.

Amethya dela Llana, SBMA senior deputy administrator for the Regulatory Group, and Rosel Abuyo, officer-in-charge of the Ecology Center, received the award on behalf of the agency.

Dela Llana said the recognition would encourage the SBMA to further strengthen its environmental programs.

“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Environmental Management Bureau Region 3. This achievement inspires us to continue pushing forward with sustainable waste management solutions that benefit the community and the environment alike,” dela Llana said.

The SBMA said the award also reflects the collective efforts of the Freeport community and its partners in promoting responsible waste management and environmental stewardship.

The agency added that the recognition would motivate the Ecology Center to further enhance its programs in line with sustainable development principles and environmental standards.

The SBMA said it remains committed to advancing ecological solid waste management, resource conservation and other initiatives aimed at maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable Subic Bay Freeport.